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While walking a dog on a leash is commonplace, it’s rare to see a cat being walked by its owner on a leash. However, walking your cat on a leash can be a fun activity for both your cat and you. Let’s take a look at the reasons why some cat owners choose to use a leash and how to do so in a way that’s safe for your cat.
Reasons to Walk Your Cat on a Leash
Some cats love the outdoors, while others are strictly housecats. But there are a few cats that fall somewhere in the middle. My cat Molly (sadly no longer with us) was one of them. She was clearly fascinated by the outdoors and would spend hours staring out the window. However, any time I opened a door for her to go outside, she would refuse to go outside. If you gave her a nudge, she would lock up as if you were trying to push her into water.
She was a rescue cat, and I’m not sure what her life was like before she lived with me, so maybe something outside had spooked her earlier in her life. If she had shown no interest in the outside, I would have left it, but she was clearly interested in what was going on outside, even if she wasn’t confident enough to explore.
However, if I picked her up and carried her, she was happy to be outside if she was in my arms.
The solution was to use a leash. I put a leash on her, carried her outside, and then set her down gently beside me. After a few times trying this, she was confident enough to start wandering a little further away from me—exploring the back garden and sniffing around. Eventually, she was confident enough that I could take her for a walk around the block, which definitely got me some odd looks from the neighbours the first few times I did it!
It was a fun way for her to explore and feel more confident about the outside, and it also meant that she got some exercise (as she was a little on the tubby side).
There are lots of benefits to walking your cat on a leash, but the four most commonly cited by cat owners are…
- Enrichment and mental stimulation
Cats are naturally curious and intelligent creatures that can get bored if they are confined to the same activities and environment. Walking your cat on a leash allows cats that would otherwise remain indoors to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the outside world in a safe and controlled way. - Exercise and weight management
A common issue for indoor cats is managing their weight. Cats can easily put on weight if they are not getting adequate exercise. Some cats are good at regulating their calorie intake, but others will eat as much food as they can even if they are not doing the exercise required to burn it off. Even a short walk will help give your cat a bit more exercise than they would get sat on your sofa. - Bonding opportunity with your cat
Most cats like to spend a lot of time with their owners. My cats will often follow me from room to room as I go about my daily routine. By using a leash, your cat can follow you outside of the house as well as inside. - Safety reasons
Depending on where you live, you might feel uncomfortable about your cat being outside unsupervised. Keeping your cat on a leash allows them to explore without the risk of straying into traffic or getting stuck in a neighbour’s shed.
Can Cats Learn to Walk on a Leash?
In my experience, cats have no problem walking with a leash. The real problem can be getting the leash on your cat. If they already have a collar, you can clip a leash onto it, but this isn’t suitable for every cat. Most modern collars have a quick-release mechanism so that your cat can’t get stuck if the collar gets hooked around a branch, but this also means that your cat can easily unbuckle the collar by straining too much. Most modern cat leashes are a ‘leash and harness’ set that fits around the cat’s whole body and then is attached to the lead via the cat’s torso rather than its chest.
The key steps to get your cat used to their leash + harness are as follows:
- Introducing the harness
Attach the harness to your cat without the leash part. Let them wear it for a while around the house. They will gradually get used to the feel and weight of the harness. - Indoor leash training
It can be easier to get your cat used to the sensation of being walked on a leash without the additional stimuli of the outside world. Try walking your cat around your house on the leash first. Let the cat get used to being able to explore while feeling you restrain them slightly and also get them used to being pulled back quickly (as you may need to do this in an emergency when you are outside). - Outdoor leash training
Once you have got them used to using the leash indoors, it’s time to try outdoors. Start small; maybe just walk them around your front garden or even just your porch before exploring further. Gradually increase the distance each time you take them outside.
Eventually, your cat should feel confident enough to be walked around the block by you or even travel further distances with your guidance. Some cats may only take a few days to leash train. Others may take several weeks. Some may show absolutely no interest or actively dislike going outside whatsoever.
Is Walking a Cat on a Leash Cruel?
No, there is nothing cruel about walking your cat on a leash if they are happy to do it. You should never force your cat to walk on a leash if they are adamant that they do not want to be outside. The most important thing is to build your cat’s confidence slowly and steadily to avoid scaring them. If your cat seems seriously distressed, stop and try again the next day. Remember that some cats, particularly rescue cats, may have negative associations with the outside, especially if they were abandoned.
Can Indoor Cats Go Outside on a Leash?
Yes! Leashes are perfect for getting some outdoor time for otherwise indoor cats. It can allow them fresh air, exercise, and entertainment. However, it is your responsibility to keep your cat safe when it is outside.
Indoor cats won’t have the same awareness of their surroundings when they are outside that other cats have developed. Hazards like busy roads or aggressive dogs can still pose a threat, so you should always be aware of what your cat is doing and how much freedom you are letting it have on their leash. Make sure that you can pull your cat back if they are at risk of running into the road.
You should avoid taking your cat anywhere that a normal cat would not feel comfortable travelling. For example, walking your cat up and down your road or around the block is fine. Walking it through the centre of town or through a shopping mall is likely to be overwhelming and distressing for your cat. Don’t take your cat anywhere where you would be surprised to see a cat in everyday life.
Final Thoughts: Take Your Cat Outdoors
Walking your cat on a leash can be a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your feline friend. Remember to introduce them to the leash gradually and to always be aware of your surroundings when you are out and about with them. In time, you may even be able to turn an indoor cat into an outdoor cat—but like everything cat-related, if your cat doesn’t want to do it, there’s not much you can do to change their mind.